The Taoiseach begins his St. Patrick’s Day visit today, with a visit to Atlanta – the first stop on a three-city programme in the US focused on jobs, trade and investment.

“The approval of the phased re-payment of the superlevy fine due to be imposed on dairy farmers is a great boost to local farmers and will help to ease financial concerns”, says Fine Gael Bye Election candidate, David Fitzgerald.

Cork North Central Senator for Fine Gael and the party’s Seanad Spokesperson for Health, Colm Burke, has today (Thursday) stated that Cork City Council needs to take responsibility for and act on the current situation regarding Housing Adaptation Grants for those with disabilities in Cork.

The CSO figures for 2014 show that the Irish economy grew by 4.8% in GDP terms and by 5.2% in GNP terms in 2014.

“It is estimated that 1,500 hospital beds are occupied every night in our hospitals, directly because of alcohol related cases, costing an estimated €1.2 billion annually. This is a national shame and an issue that must be addressed head on through the implementation of the Public Health (Alcohol) Bill 2015”, says Peter Fitzpatrick, Fine Gael TD for Louth and Member of the Oireachtas Health Committee.

The Strategy represents a new action-oriented approach to growing and developing the international financial services sector based on the very successful Action Plan for Jobs model.

Fine Gael Longford/Westmeath TD, Gabrielle McFadden, has welcomed the news that many soldiers will benefit from a four year extension to their service, thanks to a recommendation in the report of a third party adjudicator in relation to a mandatory rule forcing the retirement of hundreds of soldiers after 21 years of service.

“Meath clubs should apply now for Sports Capital funding,” says Fine Gael Meath West TD, Ray Butler. Deputy Butler was speaking after confirmation from the Minister for Sport, Michael Ring TD, that an extra €40 million has been secured for Sports Capital Programme in 2015.